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Obituaries
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LEONARD J. ADREON, Sept. 12, 1926-February 3, 2022.
Husband of Audrey Adreon, father of Diane Adreon, Linda Morgan and the late Carol Grady, Grandfather of Rachel and Jason Gillman, Andrew and Adreon Morgan, Kelly Grady Lee and Thomas Grady Jr., Great Grandfather of Simone Ella Lee. Pre-deceased by brother, Merton Adreon, and parents, Irvan Adreon and Marie Adreon Morris.
Leonard graduated from Soldan High School where he majored in football and basketball. He graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis, elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, national business school honorary society and lettered in basketball. He had a successful career for 36 years as Executive Vice President of The Siteman Organization in real estate development and management, headquartered in Clayton.
He served as president of many organizations including the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), American Diabetes Association St. Louis Affiliate, Diabetic Children’s Welfare Association, Congregation Temple Israel, First Chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Committee of Clayton, Vice Chairman of the Regional Arts Commission.
In 1976 he was awarded the Presidents award for outstanding service to the office building industry by Boma International. In January 2003 he received the prestigious Cornerstone Award from the Clayton Chamber for “dedication and devotion to the Clayton community.”
Adreon was a co-founder of the Chamber’s Parties in the Park annual event. For many years he facilitated writing classes at the Life Long Learning Institute at Washington University in St. Louis.
He was very proud of his military service as a Navy corpsman serving in combat with the First Marine Division in Korea in 1951 and 1952. He wrote and published a memoir called Hilltop Doc, A Marine Corpsman Fighting Through the Mud and Blood of the Korean War.
Leonard, above all else, was a devoted husband to Audrey for more than 69 years. He cherished his daughters and their families and spent many glorious hours with them.
Services: A private family service will be held at the New Mt. Sinai Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers contributions to Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63141, will be appreciated. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.
Berger Memorial Service
MYRNA H. (NEE MORGANSTERN) COHEN, born on October 7, 1929, passed away after a 10-year battle with dementia on February 2, 2022.
She was the beloved wife of the late Charles G. Cohen to whom she was married for 65 years. She is the cherished mother of Dr. Raymond F. Cohen, Ruth M. (Dr. Brian) Kominsky, Edward A. (Carol) Cohen, and Stanley H. Cohen. She is the dearly loved grandmother of Ellen Kominsky (Alex) Koch, Amy Kominsky (Ryan) Crighton, Michael Kominsky, Sarah Cohen, Elizabeth (fiancé Julian Groover) Cohen and Andrew Cohen, and beloved great-grandmother of Liam Donaldson, Sloan Crighton, Atlas Crighton, Gabriella Koch and Charley Koch. Myrna was a beloved aunt, great-aunt, and step-grandmother. She was predeceased by her dear brother Kennard (Lee) Morganstern, and sister Rozelle Morganstern.
We extend our deepest gratitude to her caregiver Clara Graham for her constant care, love, and devotion to Mom, and to the helpful team at Delmar Gardens West.
Myrna was born and raised in University City, Missouri, graduating from University City High School in 1947. She received her B.A. from
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Washington University in 1951. Following her marriage to Charles, she moved to Jefferson City where she spent the bulk of her adult life. She taught at several schools, including Fatima High School, when her children were young. She then spent 26 years with the State of Missouri Division of Medical Services, where she was involved in drafting various nursing home regulations.
In her later years, while living in a nursing home, she would sometimes smile and quip, “I hope I did a good job with those regulations!” Besides her children and grandchildren, Mom loved chocolate and her face still lit up whenever anyone brought her a bag of Hershey’s! She truly cherished her family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the warm community at Temple Beth El.
The funeral service took place via Live Stream on Sunday, February 6 at 4:00 p.m.; for details, visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com. A private graveside service will subsequently be held. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service
PHYLLIS LEVENTHAL, February 1, 2022
Beloved daughter of the late Isadore and late Bluma Handelman; Dear mother of Judy Leventhal; Special cousin of Michael (Linda) Rosenblatt;
Our deep appreciation to Maria Rodriguez for her countless hours of devotion and care to mom’s wellbeing. She is deeply loved.
Phyllis was a true animal lover and mother to three miniature dachshunds, her beloved Andrew, Rufus and Rusty.
She was always ready to lend a helping hand and was a true friend to many.
Private Graveside services will be held at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield, Missouri. Memorial contributions preferred to Thistle Hill Rescue in Mountain View, Missouri. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
WILLIAM MACK, February 8, 2022
Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Mack (nee Weintrop). Dear Father of David (Michelle) Mack and Ruth Mack. Loving grandfather of Jacob Mack, Oliver and Julian Fishman. Loving brother-in-law of Harry (Miriam) and Allen (Harriet) Weintrop. Our dear uncle, cousin and friend.
A private graveside service will be held. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
JACQUELINE ANN (JACKIE) MAYER, February 9, 2022.
Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Douglas (Lisa), Peter (Kelly) and Rodney (Maria) Schiffer; dear grandmother of Austin, Allie, Coco, Cadie, Drew, Max and Ben Schiffer; dear sister and sister-in-law of Randall (Davey) Mayer; aunt to her adored nieces, Melinda (Jeff) Bierman, Anna (David) Poger, and Carin Mayer, cousin and friend to so many. Jackie was known for her incredible sense of humor and love of all festivities, and she was devoted to the arts as a phenomenal singer and artist. Jackie was happiest when spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren, and she will be dearly missed.
A funeral service was held Feb. 13 at Berger Memorial Chapel, followed by private family interment. Please visit bergermemorialchapel. com for Live Stream information.
Berger Memorial Service JACKWARREN PALAN, (7/13/33 - 2/12/22)
On the morning of February 12, 2022, Jack Warren Palan passed away after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Born in St. Louis on July 13, 1933, Jack’s legacy is his dedication to his wife of 68 years, Susan Chorlins Palan, (whom he knew since age 12), his 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He will always be remembered as an extraordinary grandfather, a tireless provider, loyal, honorable, and devoted to his family.
Jack attended University City High School, University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a degree in journalism, and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He was a great patriot who served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1955. He was stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Rabat, Morocco with the Strategic Air Command. He served 3 years of active duty with an honorable discharge at the rank of Captain with commendations for excellence. In addition to being a proud American, Jack was an avid horseman, marksman, and USO volunteer.
After serving in the Air Force, Jack was an accomplished owner of Central Rebuilders where he worked until his retirement. He distinguished himself by the quality of his work, the loyalty to his friends, and his honorable conduct in every aspect of his life.
Jack will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and honored always by his loving wife Susan Palan, sister Patricia Prejean, daughter Sheryl Kadmon (Dov), daughter Mindy Palan, daughter Beth Palan, son Manne Palan (Lynne Issacs Palan- Of Blessed Memory), (Margaret Wright, his fiancée), son Andrew Palan (Martha), daughter Amy Works (Michael); adoring grandchildren: Jonathon Kadmon, Harold (Claudine) Kadmon, Jessica Kadmon, Kathryn Becker (Eric), Griffin Palan, Broderick Palan, Tyler Palan, Janie Palan, Connor Works, Sophie Works; and great grandchildren: Barrett Becker, Brooks Becker, Beatrice Becker, Callie Kadmon, and Lily Kadmon.
Jack was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to Lynne’s Legacy, ℅ JCC at 2 Millstone Campus, Creve Coeur, MO 63146 to benefit women and their families with breast & ovarian cancer, or Jewish War Veterans of the United States - St. Louis Post- 12 Millstone Campus, Creve Coeur, MO 63146.
A funeral service was held February 15th at Congregation B’nai Amoona, followed by burial at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery. Berger Memorial Service
SHIRLEYPOTICHA, January 24, 2022
Dear mother of Linda Eason (Dan Kislinger), Paul Eason (Lenore) and Lorraine Eason; dear grandmother of Miriam Eason, Ariel Eason (Matt Belsky), Joe Eason and Emily Eason (John Stelljes); dear great-grandmother of Shoshana Eason-Belsky, Ella Stelljes and Andrew Stelljes; dear sister of the late Iona Poticha and the late Phyllis PotichaRosenthal.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, February 8 at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman. The service also is available via Live Stream; please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream link. Private interment.
Memorial contributions preferred to Central Reform Congregation or the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Berger Memorial Service
Obituaries continue on opposite page
ELLEN ANN RICH, formerly of St. Louis, passed away in Dallas on February 8, 2022.
Beloved wife of William Rich; dear mother of Beth Elaine Wood (Ethan) and Jason Nathaniel Rich (Erika); loving grandmother of Asher and River Wood and Kyla and Claire Rich; dear daughter of the late Albert Smith and the late Bernice Resnick Smith. Dear friend to many.
Ellen was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 1, 1946. She graduated from University City High School in 1964. She later graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in Psychology and magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with an MS in Early Childhood Intervention.
She met William (Bill) Rich in 1968 in St. Louis and they married on March 23, 1969. They would have celebrated their 53rd anniversary next month. They moved to Minneapolis in July 1969 then to Dallas in 1977, where they remained. Ellen spent many years as an educator working with families with children with developmental disabilities and was passionate about her work. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren – travelling to Los Angeles often to visit Beth and her family and locally in Dallas to visit Jason and his family.
Two years ago, Ellen was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and also has been a Type 1 diabetic since childhood. She was actively involved with the ALS Foundation, the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Memorial contributions to those organizations are preferred.
Private graveside service in St. Louis. Berger Memorial Service
KENNETH D. SERKES, M.D. passed away on February 3, 2022 at the age of 95 in Santa Barbara, CA.
Beloved husband of Margaret Bischel, M.D. for 47 years. Dear father of Jonathan M. (Sallie) Serkes of St. Louis, Elizabeth Ann (Curt) SerkesGranzow of Buffalo, MN and Laura Serkes of Easton, MD. Loving grandfather of Benjamin (Kacey) Serkes, Andrew (Sara) Serkes, Kathryn (Joey) Herrle, Nathaniel (Traci) Granzow and Kevin (Taylor) Granzow, David (Renae) Lazaroff, and Jess (Morgan) White. Dear greatgrandfather of Melanie, Sean and Letty Granzow, Quinn Serkes, Leo Herrle, Sloan and Rory Lazaroff. Beloved brother of Eleanor (the late Julius) Schainblatt. Dear uncle of Merry Schainblatt and Ellen Kortum.
Kenneth was born in 1926 in St. Louis, MO to Freeda and Nathan Serkes. He graduated first in his Soldan High School Class and was awarded a full scholarship to Yale University in 1943. He joined the US Navy and served from 1944 to 1946 and returned to Yale after his service. In 1947 he entered the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, graduating in 1951. Training in General Surgery was completed at Jewish Hospital in 1956, where later he was appointed to a faculty position and as Assistant Director of Surgery. He spent 11 years as an educator of young surgeons in training, medical students, and as a member of a laboratory team investigating the problems of surgical shock and resuscitation.
In 1968, he left academia for a career as Medical Director for the Artificial Organs Division of Baxter Laboratories and spent the next 20 years guiding the clinical development of devices in the fields of oxygenation for open heart surgery, dialysis devices for acute and chronic kidney failure, artificial heart valves and perfusion preservation of isolated organs for transplantation. After retiring from Baxter in 1988, he continued to consult, was a member of international professional societies, FDA consultant groups, and author or co-author of 49 articles.
Private family service. Contributions in his memory may be made to Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
JEFFREY DAVID SOLOMON, February 13, 2022
Son of the late Alan Solomon, Rochelle (Shelly) Solomon and Stephen Turner; loving brother of Michael Solomon (Betsy); loving uncle of Alexandra Solomon and Samuel Solomon; loving nephew of Mark Solomon (Becky) and Lawrence Goodman; and friend to many.
Born in St. Louis, Jeffrey attended Parkway North High School and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He enjoyed a career in the retail industry and served in various capacities for Walmart in Kansas City, MO, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the St. Louis area.
Jeffrey will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and a kind heart that was larger than life. He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Rams and University of Missouri football and basketball teams. He attended and watched as many games as possible.
An excellent chef, Jeffrey’s matzo ball soup was a staple at family gatherings during the Jewish holidays. He participated in a matzo ball soup awards competition sponsored by the St. Louis Jewish Light and received high recognition.
Jeffrey loved his cats and always looked forward to traveling. He served as the trip navigator on family vacations.
Graveside service Wednesday, February 16 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Please visit www. bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream details. The family has requested donations be made to the Humane Society of Missouri, att: Donations, 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 or the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10601 Baur Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132. Berger Memorial Service
ARNOLD “ARNIE” SUSSMAN entered eternal rest on February 1, 2022 at the age of 77.
Loving husband of 54 years to Linda Sussman; proud father of Scott (Gretchyn) Sussman and Renee (David) Blomenkamp; cherished grandfather of Lauryn Sussman, Grant Sussman, Madison Blomenkamp, and Sydney Blomenkamp; devoted brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. Arnold is preceded in death by his parents Julius and Piri Sussman, his brother Norman Sussman, Thomas and Marjorie Craney (Linda’s parents), Fred Craney, and Jeff Craney (Linda’s brothers).
Arnie above all loved and cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and a wonderful Pap to his four grandchildren. Arnie was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved most. He was an avid sports fan and although he loved his St. Louis teams, his favorites to cheer on were always his kids and grandkids. Arnie spent most of his professional career at Edison Brothers which allowed him to travel all over the world for business. Beyond his business travels, he and Linda enjoyed exploring the globe for pleasure. Arnie will always be remembered for his kind heart and helpful hands, sense of humor, and bringing life to the party. He was a great friend to have and made many long and meaningful relationships in his life. Arnie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. AUBREY A. YAWITZ, January 31, 2022
The Yawitz family regrets to announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Aubrey Yawitz. He was the husband of the late Juanita Yawitz; father and father-in-law of Carol Don (Irl), Joanne Yawitz Farkas (Gabriel) of San Francisco, Richard Yawitz (Alison Cannon) and Nancy Yawitz; grandfather of Laura Don (Rotem Brayer), Michael Don (Sophia Balakian), Kathryn Venn (Daniel) and Alysse Godino; brother of the late Bernard Yawitz (the late Jean) and the late Vivian Gross (the late Byron); brother-in-law of Ray Marglous (the late Sharon) and the late Sawyer Marglous (Jean); great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Aubrey, a long time St. Louisan, was born in 1916 and raised in University City. He attained his undergraduate degree from Washington University, and at age 60 completed an MBA at Webster University. As a true patriot, he served in the Army during World War II where he was primarily stationed in the Pacific region. He eventually retired having been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
On returning to St. Louis, he met the love of his life, Juanita Marglous, to whom he was married for 63 years. A true family man, he was devoted to his wife, four children and grandchildren.
Aubrey had a varied career after serving in the Army, working in the retail furniture business before finding his real passion as an Operations Research Analyst for the Federal Government. When he finally retired at the age of 76, it was a proud moment to be proclaimed Older Worker of the Year by the Mayor of the City of St. Louis.
His family describes him as an independent thinker, self-disciplined, highly intelligent, yet humble. Since he spent much of his later years in front of the newspaper, he was always wellinformed on current and world events. His family was blessed to have him for so long (reaching the age of 105 years) and was even more fortunate that he did so with his full mental and physical faculties intact. Up until last month, he resided in his family home in Clayton for 67 years. His warm heart, generous spirit, consistent presence and support will be greatly missed.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private funeral will be held. Memorial contributions preferred to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis or a charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service
Adreon, Leonard J. Cohen, Myrna H. Leventhal, Phyllis Mack, William Mayer, Jacqueline Ann Palan, Jack Warren Poticha, Shirley Rich, Ellen Ann Serkes, Dr. Kenneth Solomon, Jeffrey David Sussman, Arnold “Arnie” Yawitz, Aubrey A.
Marty Rochester: Exploring the sense of connection among Jews
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
didn’t really matter. We were very Jewcentric.
Some of our closest friends were people we met initially as fellow parents of young children, who happened to be Jewish. We were not very active in our temple, so that would not explain the Jewish character of our friendship circle. When we moved from University City to Clayton, most of our neighbors were not Jewish, yet we gravitated toward the ones who were.
One of the few exceptions to this pattern is a weekly breakfast group I belong to that consists of one other Jew, two Catholics and one agnostic. The only one my wife and I regularly socialize with is the Jewish member of the group.
Is this because of implicit bias, because subconsciously I have wanted to limit my strong associations to fellow Jews? I dunno. I doubt it. At least, I have never consciously considered this in entering into friendships. Rising antisemitism notwithstanding, I have never sensed any antipathy toward me as a Jew on the part of colleagues or other acquaintances I have come into contact with that might account for my failure to develop closer ties with folks of other religions.
So I am left with explaining this puzzle simply as some instinctive attraction to other lantzmen. Perhaps it is no more than the old adage that “birds of a feather flock together,” what some researchers call the homophily principle: “Similarity breeds connection.”
Still, I have a sneaking suspicion that such strong connectivity has been especially powerful among Jews.
However, it is possible this is now at risk.
In 1997, Alan Dershowitz wrote “The Vanishing American Jew: In Search of Jewish Identity for the Next Century,” raising questions about whether American Jews could survive their own success as greater security and affluence were accompanied by the threat of extinction through assimilation.
A recent Pew Research Center study (“10 Key Findings About Jewish Americans,” May 11) found, in examining the approximately 7.5 million Americans who are Jewish, that: • “Like the overall U.S. population, Jews appear to be growing more racially and ethnically diverse.”
• “U.S. Jews are less religious than American adults overall.” • “Among Jewish respondents who got married since the beginning of 2010, 61% have a non-Jewish spouse.”
The survey did not look deeply into friendship-formation patterns. It is interesting to speculate whether, as Jews become more racially and ethnically diverse and less religious, and as intermarriage increases, this will weaken tribal bonds among Jews.
I greatly value my non-Jewish friends and welcome others who would befriend me. That said, I am convinced something would be lost if that certain feeling of Yiddishkeit were to dissipate, even if I cannot quite put my finger on it.
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